Amid the whirlwind of transfer activity, Arsenal’s focus is also on securing the future of their current stars. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners are set to initiate discussions to prolong Martin Odegaard’s stay at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal in Talks With Martin Odegaard Over Contract Extension
Arsenal want to advance in talks to get new deal done for Martin Ødegaard in the next weeks 🔴⚪️🇳🇴 #AFC
Initial discussions set to take place as extending Martin’s contract will be one of the priorities of the year. pic.twitter.com/55DnCIfLpM
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 17, 2023
A Strategic Move for the Club
As the North London club look to build a competitive squad capable of challenging for titles, retaining the Norwegian playmaker becomes a key objective.
The midfielder, who had a brief spell with the Gunners during a loan move in the 2020-2021 season before signing permanently, has been a valuable asset to the team. His creative flair, vision, and football intelligence have been instrumental in shaping Arsenal’s attacking gameplay.
Read More: Premier League Club ‘Submit Formal Proposal’ to Sign Arsenal ‘Outcast’ Amid Interest From Bundesliga
The imminent discussions regarding the “world-class” player’s contract extension underline the club’s belief in his abilities and the pivotal role he plays in their footballing vision.
Watch: Are Arsenal Good Enough to Win the Premier League?
Odegaard’s Impact at Arsenal
Since he arrived in England, the former Real Madrid man has showcased his influence through his performances and statistics. During his time at North London, he has made 88 appearances for the English giants in the Premier League.
In that span, he has scored 23 goals and also provided 13 assists, highlighting his value for the team.
Following the departures of previous club captains Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, Mikel Arteta named the 24-year-old as the club captain. He was also named “Arsenal Player of the Season” after a brilliant individual campaign that saw the Gunners make the Top 4 after more than 6 years.
With his skill set and footballing intelligence, Odegaard’s continued presence in the squad could play a pivotal role in shaping the club’s fortunes in the coming seasons.
Featured Image: Lloyd Morgan, CC BY-SA 2.0.